PADUA KOS SINGH TO RETAIN PH WELTERWEIGHT TITLE

STILL THE KING. Philippine welterweight champion Dennis Padua celebrates his 4th round KO victory against Prabhjot Singh shown still lying on the canvas being assisted by referee Ferdinand Estrella, trainer Allan Alegria and a ring physician. (Photo by FRANCIS VERSOZA)

PHILIPPINES — Dennis “Filipino Bamboo” Padua of Highland Gym-La Trinidad, Benguet landed a solid right straight to the face of Prabhjot Singh of MP Highland Gym-Manila en route to a 4^th round knockout to retain his Philippine welterweight title on Saturday night in Mandaluyong City.

Referee Ferdinand Estrella immediately stopped the fight after Singh fell down on the canvas. Singh had even dominated the first two rounds with his body shots and combinations before Padua finally found his range and began connecting his jabs.

Padua finally caught Singh with his solid right straight on the face for the knockout.

“Malakas talagang sumuntok si Dennis,” said manager Brico Santig of Highland Promotions.

Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Abraham “Baham” Mitra awarded the championship belt to Padua.

The 5-foot-11 Padua, a native of Nueva Ecija improved his record to 11 wins against 12 losses, 2 draws and 5 knockouts, while the 5-foot-8 Singh, also the Luzproba welterweight champion, suffered only his first defeat after seven straight wins.

It was the first title defence by Padua, who won the vacant title via a 7^th round technical knockout win against Stephen Gilawa last February 20 at the Taguig Sports Complex in Taguig City.

The 33-year old Padua, however, previously lost by a first round TKO against Ben Savva last December 9 in New South Wales, Australia.

The 12-round title fight was promoted by Pablo Garcia in coordination with PBF secretary-general Jimmy Narvaez and promoter-matchmaker Brico Santig.